Park's BBQ, established in 2003 by Chef Jenee Kim, has earned its reputation as the gold standard of Korean BBQ in Los Angeles. Located in the heart of Koreatown, this acclaimed restaurant is renowned for its commitment to using high-quality ingredients, particularly USDA Prime and Kobe-style beef.12 Chef Kim's culinary expertise, honed through her degree in Culinary Science from Seoul Women's College, has elevated traditional Korean cuisine to new heights.2 The restaurant's popularity is evident from its wall of fame featuring photos of celebrity chefs, actors, and politicians who have dined there.5 Park's BBQ offers a range of dishes, from bulgogi to galbi, with their garlic-soy-brown sugar marinade being particularly praised for short ribs.5 Despite its simple interior, the restaurant provides an efficient and friendly service, with staff managing the grills and preparing the meat for patrons.5

Hanu Korean BBQ, located at 2999 W 6th St in Los Angeles' Koreatown, offers a premium Korean barbecue experience with high-quality meats and attentive service. The restaurant is known for its extensive menu featuring USDA premium cuts and traditional Korean dishes13. Hanu provides both indoor and outdoor dining options, catering to various preferences3. Customers praise the restaurant for its excellent food quality, particularly noting the freshness and flavor of the meat selections3. The establishment also offers a variety of Korean "banchan" (side dishes) to complement the main courses2. Hanu's commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in its friendly staff and efficient service, making it a popular choice for Korean BBQ enthusiasts in Los Angeles13.

Soowon Galbi, located in Los Angeles' Koreatown, stands out as a popular upscale Korean BBQ destination known for its high-quality meats and authentic flavors. The restaurant's signature dish is the Soo-won Galbi, made from USDA premium black Angus bone-in short ribs marinated for 48 hours in their house blend3. Praised for its top-notch meat selection and reasonable prices, Soowon Galbi offers an extensive menu that showcases the depth of Korean cuisine beyond just barbecue2. The restaurant's combination courses, particularly Combo B which includes the must-try kkotsal (marbled boneless short rib) and chadol (thinly sliced brisket), provide excellent value for groups2. While the ambiance is casual, the quality of food and attentive service have earned Soowon Galbi a reputation as one of the best Korean BBQ spots in Los Angeles, with shorter wait times compared to some other popular establishments24.

Genwa Korean BBQ is a popular upscale mini-chain with locations in Mid-Wilshire, Beverly Hills, and Downtown Los Angeles, offering a premium Korean barbecue experience outside of Koreatown. The restaurant is renowned for its dizzying array of high-quality banchan (side dishes), which make diners feel like royalty, and its extensive selection of premium meats and seafood2. Genwa's menu features set courses that include cooked items like japchae, soondubu, or bibimbap, alongside the barbecue options2. The Mid-Wilshire location, situated at 5115 Wilshire Blvd, boasts a full bar and operates daily from noon to 10 PM, with slightly later opening hours on weekends12. Genwa's commitment to quality ingredients, attentive service, and a trendy atmosphere has made it a favorite among Los Angeles diners seeking an elevated Korean barbecue experience4.

Quarters Korean BBQ, located in the heart of Koreatown at Chapman Market, offers a unique tapas-style Korean barbecue experience that's particularly popular among groups. Known for its trendy atmosphere and fusion-inspired menu, Quarters serves a variety of beef, pork, chicken, and seafood options1. Unlike traditional all-you-can-eat KBBQ restaurants, Quarters allows diners to order meats by quarter-pound or half-pound increments, providing flexibility in portion sizes3. The restaurant's popularity often results in long wait times, with some patrons reporting waits of up to 75 minutes even on weeknights3. Quarters stands out for its attentive service, with staff cooking the meats for customers to ensure optimal preparation5. While some locals view it as a more Westernized KBBQ experience, Quarters has gained a reputation for its quality food, reasonable prices, and lively ambiance, making it a go-to spot for both Korean BBQ enthusiasts and newcomers alike35.

Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong is a vibrant and popular Korean BBQ chain with multiple locations across Los Angeles, including Koreatown, Buena Park, and Irvine. Known for its high-quality meats and lively atmosphere, the restaurant often sees wait times of up to two hours, especially at its Koreatown location2. The dining experience is characterized by communal seating, blasting K-Pop music, and a well-choreographed service that tends to the in-table grills with precision2.

Baekjeong, which means "butcher" in Korean, reflects the restaurant's commitment to serving premium quality meats4. The menu features pork and beef combos, with the short rib and marbled ribeye being standout items2. Each grill is uniquely designed with sections for corn cheese, egg souffle, and peppers, complemented by an array of banchan (side dishes)2. Owned and operated by Kijung Hospitality Group, Baekjeong has rapidly expanded since its first U.S. location opened in Los Angeles in 2012, becoming a leading choice for Korean barbecue in North America4.

Chosun Galbee, one of the oldest and most respected Korean BBQ restaurants in Los Angeles, offers a refined dining experience in Koreatown. Known for its high-quality meats and authentic Korean dishes, the restaurant features a modern interior and a unique garden-like, open-air dining area12. Chosun Galbee's menu showcases premium cuts like Angus prime sirloin steaks and their signature Chosun Galbee, alongside seafood options such as Chilean sea bass and black codfish12. The restaurant is particularly praised for its perfectly marbled meats that "melt in your mouth" and its popular naengmyeon (buckwheat noodles)1. Unlike all-you-can-eat establishments, Chosun Galbee focuses on quality over quantity, making it a favored spot for business meetings and those seeking a quieter, more upscale Korean BBQ experience1.

Hae Jang Chon, established in 2002, is a beloved all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurant in Los Angeles' Koreatown. Known for its extensive menu and affordable pricing ($44 per person for dinner and all day on weekends), it offers a wide variety of beef, pork, chicken, and seafood options12. The restaurant's popularity is evident from its long wait times, especially during peak hours and weekends2. Hae Jang Chon stands out for its premium selections like spicy octopus, corn cheese, and beef tongue, as well as the unique opportunity to make kimchi fried rice with leftover meat and banchan at the end of the meal2. Open until 12 am on weekdays and 2 am on weekends, it's a favored spot for late-night KBBQ cravings14.

ABSteak by Chef Akira Back offers a unique fusion of Korean barbecue and modern steakhouse cuisine in Los Angeles. Located in the Beverly Center at 8500 Beverly Blvd, this upscale restaurant specializes in premium dry-aged meats, aged up to 30 days for concentrated flavor and meaty texture.12 Chef Akira Back, known for his innovative approach, blends Korean flavors with other culinary influences to create an exotic dining experience.1 The restaurant features a dedicated on-premises aging chamber and offers various homemade salts and condiments to enhance the steak flavors.12 Open Tuesday through Sunday, ABSteak provides both valet and self-parking options, making it accessible for diners seeking a high-end Korean steakhouse experience outside of Koreatown.13

Los Angeles boasts an impressive array of Korean barbecue restaurants, offering some of the best barbecue in town. From high-end establishments to casual eateries, the city's Korean BBQ scene caters to diverse tastes and preferences. These restaurants serve up a wide variety of meats, including excellent beef cuts, duck barbecue, and an enticing mix of meat options to satisfy every palate.

The quality of meat at LA's top Korean BBQ spots is exceptional, with many restaurants sourcing premium beef cuts and offering a range of beef options for grilling. Diners can enjoy everything from marbled ribeye steak to tender short ribs, all prepared on tabletop metal grills or traditional charcoal grills for that authentic smoky flavor12.

Many establishments offer combo menus or combo platters, providing an excellent way to sample a variety of meats and side dishes in one meal. These combos often feature ample portions, ensuring that diners leave satisfied whether visiting for lunch or a night out24.

Beyond the grilled meats, Korean barbecue meals in Los Angeles often include a wide array of tasty food options. Cold noodles, such as naengmyeon, and acorn noodles are popular accompaniments, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich, grilled meats. Some restaurants even serve house-made noodles, adding an extra touch of quality to the dining experience34.

The Korean food scene in LA extends beyond just barbecue, encompassing a broader range of Asian food influences. This fusion of flavors and techniques contributes to the city's reputation as a hub for innovative and delicious Korean cuisine15.

For those seeking a more upscale experience, restaurants like ABSteak by Chef Akira Back offer dry-aged steaks and premium cuts, elevating the Korean barbecue concept to new heights3. On the other hand, popular spots like Hae Jang Chon provide all-you-can-eat options with an impressive array of meats and sides at more affordable prices4.

Whether you're craving a late-night Korean barbecue feast or a leisurely lunch, Los Angeles offers a multitude of options to satisfy your Korean BBQ cravings. The city's Korean barbecue scene continues to evolve, with new restaurants and innovative concepts constantly emerging, ensuring that there's always something new and exciting for barbecue enthusiasts to explore125.